ABC's 'Pan Am' Adds Veteran Showrunner Steven Maeda In Anticipation Of Back Order

Sony Pictures TV is adding some top-level behind-the-scenes reinforcement to freshman drama Pan Amin anticipation of a back order from ABC. Veteran writer-producer Steven Maeda will be joining the 1960s-set series as showrunner, working alongside creator/executive producer Jack Orman and director/executive producer Tommy Schlamme. ABC is yet to make a decision on Pan Am, but word is that the rookie has strong internal support at the network, which has several promotional events for the series slated for the coming weeks. Despite its modest ratings — 1.8 in adults 18-49 last night — the drama has leveled off, gets a big bump from DVR viewing and has become popular with advertisers who consider it a premium buy. ABC is expected to wait to hear Maeda’s input on the potential back nine episodes before making a call. Earlier this year, UTA-repped Maeda signed a premium two-script deal with ABC Studios. He previously served as executive producer/showrunner on the CBS series Miami Medical and executive producer/showrunner on Fox’s Lie To Me and also did stints on ABC’s Lost and Fox’s The X-Files.